Nigeria footballer Obodo abducted, says family

10 June 2012 09:46

Nigeria international Christian Obodo has been abducted in Warri, southern Nigeria, his family confirmed Saturday.

The player's family said Obodo, who last season played for Lecce in Italy's Serie A, was driving alone in his car following a visit to a relative when he was taken by unknown gunmen.

"His whereabouts are unknown but his car was left behind by the kidnappers. We are yet to receive any call demanding a ransom," said a family member, under condition of anonymity.

Oil city Warri is in the restive Niger Delta, where kidnapping is commonplace.

Obodo was for several years a Nigeria international. Last season, he played on loan at Lecce from Serie A side Udinese. Lecce were relegated to Serie B on May 13 after finishing third from bottom of Italy's top flight.